External - Issue 4 April 2012

External - Issue 4 April 2012 http://EnterpriseIreland.newsweaver.co.uk/external en-us 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST http://EnterpriseIreland.newsweaver.co.uk/external/rss.xml Newsweaver (Enterprise Ireland) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Trade forum highlights opportunities for Ireland and China http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1ml0l5yeggy?rss=true The past month was dominated by historic high level official visits between Ireland and China. Irish companies were given unrivaled opportunities to further develop their China business with a visit to Ireland by Chinese Vice-President, Xi Jinping in late February and Taoiseach-led Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing. 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 69bb77cd2a813068f7f3a4ad4b11db29 Featured Article The past month was dominated by historic high level official visits between Ireland and China. Irish companies were given unrivaled opportunities to further develop their China business with a visit to Ireland by Chinese Vice-President, Xi Jinping in late February and Taoiseach-led Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing. The past month was dominated by historic high level official visits between Ireland and China. Irish companies were given unrivaled opportunities to further develop their China business with a visit to Ireland by Chinese Vice-President, Xi Jinping in late February and Taoiseach-led Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing. Over 350 business delegates from Irish and Chinese firms attended the Ireland-China trade and investment forum in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham organised by Enterprise Ireland as part of Vice-President Xi’s landmark February visit to Ireland. Ireland was the only EU country Mr Xi attended on this trip.  The event which showcased Ireland's trade and investment advantages was addressed by China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. Speaking to the forum’s delegates Mr Xi said China was now Ireland’s biggest trading partner in Asia. He said that by the end of 2011, Ireland had invested in 241 projects in China and although Chinese investment in Ireland was a late starter, it had been growing fast. A number of trade agreements between Irish and Chinese companies were signed at the trade and investment forum. Dublin-based renewable energy company Mainstream Renewable Power agreed a 50-50 joint venture with Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology, the world's fourth-largest wind turbine maker. Speaking at the event, Enterprise Ireland CEO Frank Ryan said that the visit to Ireland by Vice President Xi is hugely significant in terms of Ireland’s export-led recovery. China is a priority market for Enterprise Ireland and China is the number one destination for indigenous Irish exports in the Asia region. Exports to China by Enterprise Ireland client companies grew by 10% in 2010 to €251m and initial estimates show that 2011 delivered a further 10%. Enterprise Ireland is aiming for a 15% growth in indigenous exports to China in 2012.  More than 200 Irish companies are exporting to China – 140 of them have offices in China. <iframe width="404" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7fd95UcgXD4" frameborder="0"></iframe>  Photo Album: Pictured at Enterprise Ireland's major China Trade and Investment Forum, Frank Ryan, CEO, Enterprise Ireland and China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping as part of Vice-President Xi’s official visit to Ireland. Pictured at Enterprise Ireland's major China Trade and Investment Forum were China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. as part of Vice President Xi’s official visit to Ireland. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/112%20copy_5.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Business%20China%201_5.jpg €35m contracts signed on Enterprise Ireland China Trade Mission http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/urmj2jvqrst?rss=true Following on the historic visit of China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 90 companies to China. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 5bc58316fdd0154192d5ef98dad15b77 Featured Article Following on the historic visit of China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 90 companies to China.  Following on the historic visit of China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 90 companies to China.  <a title="The Mission to China" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1y0rs06rl72" target="_blank">The mission to China</a> which took place in Shanghai and Bejing was a significant success with a total of €35m-worth of contracts and commitments from 14 companies signed in Shanghai and Beijing. Commenting on the mission to China, Minister Bruton said: “China is central to our Asian trade strategy and this mission has been a very important step in growing closer ties and contacts with our Chinese counterparts.  The more Irish and Chinese people and businesses learn about each other the more they will recognise the shared potential for partnering in gaining access to two of the largest economies in the world; the EU for Chinese business and the vast and growing Chinese economy for Irish business. Frank Ryan, CEO Enterprise Ireland added “exports create and sustain jobs and visits like this, especially in China are crucial in building exports. We are extremely proud of our Irish client companies and congratulate them on their success this week in China.” The visit also saw significant expansion plans for Irish companies <a title="Movidius" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/3458qjrqp9p" target="_blank">Movidius</a>, <a title="Morgan McKinely" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/fetz2hwrtcz" target="_blank">Morgan McKinely</a>, <a title="PM Group" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/31zl7v08epg" target="_blank">PM Group</a>, and <a title="SAON Group" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1librg66jw5" target="_blank">SAON Group</a> into China which will allow them grow and internationalise their business. In addition, a number of significant Memorandums of Understanding, which are essential building blocks in developing business in China, were signed between Irish companies and their Chinese counterparts. These MOUs covered areas such as International Education, Financial and International Services. It is expected that these signings will also contribute significantly to future export growth for Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland signed an MOU with their Chinese counterparts (CCPIT), which will see enhanced cooperation and a focus on working closer together on sectors of mutual interest. The business events at Shanghai and Beijing were attended by more than 900 Irish company representatives and their Chinese customers and partners and the contracts signed covered a wide range of sectors including: clean technologies, mobile software, international services, healthcare, consumer products, education and industrial technologies. Photo Album: An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Richard Bruton at the offices of Morgan McKinley in Shanghai with Group Chief Executive Officer Pat Fitzgerald and Vivian Ng, Managing Director, Morgan McKinley, China. An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D. at the opening of Morgan McKinley's offices in Shanghai's Pudong high growth economic zone. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/MorganMcKinley_3.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/China%20Taoiseach%20Enda%20Kenny%20spkg_3.JPG AgriServices Mission to China http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1shvpdn0sck?rss=true 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST e37b6513d0b57202d0b4591d73019438 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3145 Polish Infrastructure Build-Out: Opportunities in Cleantech (Water, Waste & Renewables) Transport & Power http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1nilycwe0vp?rss=true 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 72e02072ad3cd82d350cfe99573ae56b Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3058 GHEDEX Education Fair Oman http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/12czfa39u5k?rss=true 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 561463b4226eb2c399b7d6b01e0cd421 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3129 Lead Generation Through Networking http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/620oo157akf?rss=true 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST af78d652a7ce0204757715f5d87b0616 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3136 China Cleantech 2012 Share http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1t35zm6cot8?rss=true 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 739509f36c90a5703af41b59521d5725 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3028 IWA World Congress on Water, Climate & Energy http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/175d0br1u3e?rss=true 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 8e897f995024d39999aa8d79e896790f Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3056 CTIA Spring 2012 http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1l9qh2vzls8?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 93cd50c886d0875809d45403d285cd19 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2894 Trade Mission to UN http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1137jxjk123?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST aa4348d8390d2d4ff9527ab9bc8065f0 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2913 Aviation IT Forum - Russia & CIS http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/xvehd9qy96j?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST e243c047ff1989eb032f6f919ab7b130 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3106 MD&M East Market Study Visit http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1ujlu6f5hb2?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 34f9a7677e41ee934693cce0ee2f4a96 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=3038 eLearning Africa - Benin http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1cx10feid49?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 7636815a2f6e765d6994a5e908c9a3e0 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2931 NAFSA 2012 http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/tirhcvu0732?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST d7090be17fcc4ba0b6357f986c2b57af Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2793 Spotlight on Ireland at MIFA 2012 http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/zlkc3bjsbj9?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST b4a258f51979f5c43bfd33edf7879ae2 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2922 Student Enterprise Awards- Think Outside the Box Awards http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/yp4o8n7llp1?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST abdec380cd011a9802f476e862ab8055 Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2999 Achema 2012 http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1wpocn2zp7u?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST c9b6b56bb2db4cb4c1da79f822eba86f Events http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/Event-Detail/?id=2533 Get Export Ready - Enterprise Ireland launches new programme of supports to get more Irish companies exporting http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/h90186j5edq?rss=true Good news for Irish companies thinking about exporting – Enterprise Ireland has just launched a new Potential Exporters Division which offers a programme of supports for exporters in order to get more indigenous companies trading in foreign markets. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 9e71ea13fd0b2e3ef132fed71d2925c9 Pink Section Good news for Irish companies thinking about exporting – Enterprise Ireland has just launched a new Potential Exporters Division which offers a programme of supports for exporters in order to get more indigenous companies trading in foreign markets. Good news for Irish companies thinking about exporting – <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1hqgsez9hv9" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a> has just launched a new Potential Exporters Division which offers a programme of supports for exporters in order to get more indigenous companies trading in foreign markets.  The “<a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1n7geafzkzp" target="_blank">Get Export Ready</a>” programme encompasses a wide range of practical measures for early exporters focusing on export readiness, the importance of research, developing a value proposition and the skills of export selling. It will support and help prepare companies interested in targeting international markets to confront the challenges that any company faces as it prepares to export.  The new Potential Exporters Division will: <ul><li>Identify more exporters and provide focussed targeted supports to these companies </li><li>Provide supports for 1800 companies in 2012, </li><li>Target 250 of these for intensive work on export initiatives </li><li>Achieve an increase of 60% in the number of companies which will receive the Going Global grant in 2012, compared with 2011. </li></ul>The “<a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1n7geafzkzp" target="_blank">Get Export Ready</a>” programme of supports, aimed specifically at pre-export and early stage exporting companies, will provide the following new supports for exporting companies: <ul><li> Workshops, seminars and training across the country </li><li> Mentoring and advocate support </li><li> Access to market information </li><li> A new website with “how to” guides, links to relevant information, self-assessment tools and  templates </li><li> A new helpdesk </li><li> Access to advice from successful exporting companies </li><li> Access to a range of Enterprise Ireland financial supports</li></ul> Enterprise Ireland will run a series of awareness events around the country to inspire and encourage a new cohort of companies to consider exporting.  The programme also includes workshops, seminars, training, access to information, experienced staff, mentors and advocates – all designed to prepare a company for new export markets.  Practical supports will focus on export readiness, the importance of research, developing a value proposition and the skills of export selling. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1n7geafzkzp" target="_blank">Visit the Get Export Ready website for more information</a> Enterprise Ireland has just launched a new Potential Exporters Division At the launch of Enterprise Ireland’s new initiative “Get Export Ready” was exporter Tomás O’Leary, MD, Origina Ltd, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton T.D and Frank Ryan, CEO Enterprise Ireland http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Exports.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Export%20Ready%20Origina%204.jpg 25 Irish companies look to grow their business in Turkey http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/uko72yni2ei?rss=true Turkey is expected to be the fastest growing economy of the OECD members between 2011 and 2017 and that is just one of the reasons why Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Costello led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 25 companies to Turkey at the end of March. The mission, which visited Ankara and Istanbul, was organised with the support of the Irish Embassy in Turkey. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 85ac81cc9959f178ce8c7deea6e70845 Pink Section Turkey is expected to be the fastest growing economy of the OECD members between 2011 and 2017 and that is just one of the reasons why Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Costello led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 25 companies to Turkey at the end of March.  The mission, which visited Ankara and Istanbul, was organised with the support of the Irish Embassy in Turkey. Turkey is expected to be the fastest growing economy of the OECD members between 2011 and 2017 and that is just one of the reasons why Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Costello led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 25 companies to Turkey at the end of March.  The mission, which visited Ankara and Istanbul, was organised with the support of the Irish Embassy in Turkey. Turkey is already a significant trading partner for Ireland. Total combined trade figures for Ireland and Turkey are in the region of €1.2 billion while Irish merchandise exports to Turkey have been developing strongly in recent years, and in 2011 were worth over €465 million. The aim of the mission was to build on this base and increase trade links.  Three companies announced Turkish investment during the mission and the Minister also took the opportunity to have discussions with key Turkish government ministers and senior officials on trade and economic cooperation.   Irish engineering consultancy firm <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1ow2p23y20i" target="_blank">ESB International officially opened their new Turkey office in Ankara</a> which will provide a platform for ESBI to expand its operations in the Turkish market and will house a number of support functions to support ESBI projects in the country.  Meanwhile, <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/10l2gkyvkh4" target="_blank">Irish mobile marketing company, Brandtone, announced the launch of its promotional campaign for Cif – the Unilever household cleaner range – in Turkey and the official opening of their new office in Istanbul.</a> Meath firm <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/12q8koiuf1q" target="_blank">Kells Stainless announced a new strategic alliance with Umde, one of Turkey’s leading stainless steel fabricators, to jointly target the burgeoning €10bn Turkish pharma industry.</a>  The contract will enable Kells Stainless to increase its business in Turkey, with a €2m sales target by the end of 2013. Commenting on the success of the mission Minister Costello said:   “I congratulate Brandtone, Kells Stainless and ESB International on the contracts they signed during this mission.  These and the other delegates on this mission show that Ireland has many companies, of proven excellence and performance, with the market access, contact networks and local knowledge to partner Turkish companies in developing European and international markets. I also welcome the very positive response which our approach to strengthening Irish-Turkish economic cooperation received in my follow-up contacts with the relevant Turkish government officials and agencies. This was echoed in local media coverage of the trade mission.  I trust that this mission will lead to many more such linkages through investment, technology transfer, joint ventures, acquisitions, and other forms of joint marketing and trade relationships.” “Irish merchandise exports to Turkey have been developing strongly in recent years, and in 2011 were worth over €465 million. Total combined trade figures for Ireland and Turkey are in the region of €1.2 billion, which is a very impressive figure. Given the focus on Turkey shown by the companies on this mission, by Enterprise Ireland, and by the Irish Embassy in Turkey, I firmly believe that we will see this figure grow over the coming years, to the mutual benefit of both countries.” Photo Album: Celaleddin Gokcek, Managing Director of Umde; Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Costello T.D. and John McKeon, Managing Director, Kells Stainless Kevin Buckley, Enterprise Ireland’s Manager for Turkey; Minister for Trade and Investment Mr Joe Costello T.D. and Michael Quigley of ESB International Turkey. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/2.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/3.jpg Food Works – New initiative launched to support next generation food entrepreneurs http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/12dxal15pk9?rss=true Are you a budding food entrepreneur? Could you create and run a successful export orientated food business? Do you have the creativity, enthusiasm and drive to bring a new food product to the global market? 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST c8a34bce7f2ffb5aa9f09e886e11c6f5 Pink Section Are you a budding food entrepreneur? Could you create and run a successful export orientated food business?  Do you have the creativity, enthusiasm and drive to bring a new food product to the global market? Are you a budding food entrepreneur? Could you create and run a successful export orientated food business?  Do you have the creativity, enthusiasm and drive to bring a new food product to the global market? If so, <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1bb84qhkc4u" target="_blank">Food Works</a>, a new comprehensive training and development programme launched by <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/156b6kc9jsx" target="_blank">Bord Bia</a>, <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1hqgsez9hv9" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a> and <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/9g5hkmq6pmt" target="_blank">Teagasc</a> is for you. Successful participants will be given an invaluable range of practical business supports required to develop an initial concept into a winning food product with international appeal. The available supports will include consumer market research, business plan development, technical advice, commercial viability testing in addition to access to incubation units, research and development (R&D) facilities and possible investors.  Speaking at the launch in March the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD said “Food Works is a unique opportunity for ambitious and determined new food entrepreneurs to build great food businesses. The Food Harvest 2020 report highlighted entrepreneurship as essential to building a truly successful indigenous food industry and the importance of developing and nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship. Our target of growing food exports by 50% to reach €12 billion before 2020 is ambitious; it requires huge commitment by private and public interests.  Food Works is an example of development agencies working together in a new way to improve the climate and opportunities for growth and I look forward to it fostering new food businesses with high potential for development.”     <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1bb84qhkc4u" target="_blank">Food Works</a> is open to all determined and energetic individuals with an interest in building an international food business in Ireland. The programme is designed for new food entrepreneurs who have ambitious scalable ideas or export plans.  Candidates may apply on an individual basis, as part of a team or a company if it has been in existence for less than 2 years.  <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/x30hpk2vwfb" target="_blank">For more information on Food Works, visit www.foodworksireland.ie</a> Food Works launched by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc Pictured are (l-r): Frank Ryan, Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia, Gerry Boyle, Chief Executive, Teagasc and Mary Ann O’Brien, Food Entrepreneur / founder of Lily O’Brien Chocolates. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/t_BUSINESSFOODWORKS6_1.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/BUSINESS%20FOODWORKS%202.jpg Cork based Treemetrics revolutionises global forestry industry http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1qv5vsc5log?rss=true Treemetrics, the leading global forestry technology company are engaged in a project supported by the European Space Agency and Enterprise Ireland, to develop a Real-Time Forest Intelligence (RTFI) service for the very first time, bringing live 3D forestry data to mobile devices and machinery anywhere in the world. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 03da0abb8445978c3e24c876414d7224 Beige Section Treemetrics, the leading global forestry technology company are engaged in a project supported by the European Space Agency and Enterprise Ireland, to develop a Real-Time Forest Intelligence (RTFI) service for the very first time, bringing live 3D forestry data to mobile devices and machinery anywhere in the world. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1x31z31wwd8" target="_blank">Treemetrics</a>, the leading global forestry technology company are engaged in a project supported by the <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1dbczeq41kw" target="_blank">European Space Agency</a> and <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/lmho4yix0kk" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a>, to develop a Real-Time Forest Intelligence (RTFI) service for the very first time, bringing live 3D forestry data to mobile devices and machinery anywhere in the world. Treemetrics' new on-demand service will be ubiquitous, available in any location in the world, no matter how remote, allowing harvesting machines to respond immediately to changing market demands for timber, while massively reducing waste. This dynamic innovation in forestry technology will transform traditional industry practices, as the optimum level of data or accuracy has never been available to the $50B global forestry sector. Prior to this, the only available data for forest managers was based on 19th Century measurement techniques and severely limited by cellphone coverage, leading to significant error rates in both revenue and carbon credit estimates. The Treemetrics RTFI service also provides the added safety benefit of a highly effective emergency communications network for forestry workers around the world, who frequently work in remote locations with limited access to cellphone networks. Enda Keane, Treemetrics CEO says “This is a huge step for the global forestry industry. Until now, timber production requirement was only established after the forest had been cut, leading to enormous waste. The Treemetrics RTFI service will completely revolutionize this process by delivering our rich forestry data to harvesters in real-time. This is only possible through the years of research and development invested into our platform and is simply impossible for traditional measurement methods.” The RTFI service builds on Treemetrics groundbreaking analytics platform and 11M-tree database (the largest in the world) developed over the last five years by the Ireland-based company. Treemetrics technology is now in use across over 14 countries and has generated in excess of €20M for its customers in the last twelve months alone. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1x31z31wwd8" target="_blank">For more information, visit www.treemetrics.com</a> <iframe width="377" height="299" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3ggU5dTmZvQ" frameborder="0"></iframe>  Treemetrics L-R: Sean Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation, Garrett Mullooly, Treemetrics and Prof. Amnon Ginati, European Space Agency. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Forest_2.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/920095_2.jpg New Frontiers programme to deliver 100 new companies http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1uiq6u7tvl5?rss=true Seán Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation launched Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme in Dublin in February. New Frontiers is a national programme funded and coordinated by Enterprise Ireland and will be delivered locally by 13 Irish Institutes of Technology. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 8eec76e306c9e25163979b48e5fd24a4 Beige Section Seán Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation launched Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme in Dublin in February.  New Frontiers is a national programme funded and coordinated by Enterprise Ireland and will be delivered locally by 13 Irish Institutes of Technology. New Frontiers, launched by Seán Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation,  is Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme and will be delivered locally by 13 Irish Institutes of Technology. This national programme is funded and co-ordinated by Enterprise Ireland which is providing €4.25 million in funding to enable the Institutes of Technology to deliver the programme at a local level. The core element of New Frontiers is a six-month intensive programme which will focus on developing the person’s entrepreneurial abilities, equipping them with the skills they need to run, and crucially to develop, sustainable businesses. The New Frontiers programme will target high-potential entrepreneurs with the commitment and capability required to develop and deliver sustainable businesses.  It is expected that the programme will produce a pipeline of companies eligible for Enterprise Ireland’s high-potential start-up (<a title="Enterprise Ireland’s high-potential start-up" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/l1be6vxbt15" target="_blank">HPSU</a>) supports. Nationally, 250 applicants will be accepted on to the programme where their business idea will be tested to see if it has the potential to form the basis for a viable company. Of these, 150 applicants will qualify for the six month intensive core element of the programme which will focus on developing the person as an entrepreneur. They will be equipped with the practical skills they need to run a business and challenged to realise their business goals. Participants will receive financial support of €15,000 from Enterprise Ireland as they focus all their efforts on developing a business during this six-month period. They will also be given office space in the Institute of Technology’s incubation centre, mentoring and access to networking opportunities with potential investors.  <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1sv8fi657tu" target="_blank">To apply to the New Frontiers programme visit Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers</a>  Sean Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research and Innovation with Lisa Keating, Enterprise Ireland launching the New Frontiers programme Sean Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation with Lisa Keating, Enterprise Ireland launching the New Frontiers programme http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Buisness%20EI%202.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/New%20Frontiers_large.jpg Research work starts in Ireland’s Cloud Computing Technology Centre http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/ci9wblcc98a?rss=true Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. announced the awarding of €1.2 million in funding over 12 months to a consortium of Higher Education Institutions to carry out the initial research programme of Ireland’s Cloud Computing Technology Centre. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 15e4898d2b470843563a5c48ee23b1c1 Beige Section Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. announced the awarding of €1.2 million in funding over 12 months to a consortium of Higher Education Institutions to carry out the initial research programme of Ireland’s Cloud Computing Technology Centre. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. announced the awarding of €1.2 million in funding over 12 months to a consortium of Higher Education Institutions to carry out the initial research programme of Ireland’s Cloud Computing Technology Centre. Led by <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/wwhyy6g4tms" target="_blank">Dublin City University</a>, the research consortium which includes <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/a59k9z4zyc4" target="_blank">University College Cork</a>, and <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1xkbvthr6ht" target="_blank">Athlone Institute of Technology</a> with input from the <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/az6f7m3okwr" target="_blank">Innovation Value Institute at NUIM</a>, will use the funding provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through Enterprise Ireland to work with a group of software companies to establish ways to generate business and profit from cloud computing. The global research organisation <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/5mqaa0verbt" target="_blank">Gartner Inc</a>. estimates that worldwide revenues from Cloud services will be as high as $148bn by 2014. Cloud computing gives the user access to a range of computing services on a pay per use basis. This means that customers of cloud computing do not need to invest in expensive computer hardware or software.  Instead, they can gain access to a shared pool of computing resources (networks, servers, storage, applications, services) through a web browser and only pay for the time they are using them - similar to the way consumers only pay for the electricity they use, not its generation and distribution. According to Gearoid Mooney, Director of ICT Commercialisation at Enterprise Ireland, this research is vital to help Irish companies adopt cloud computing; “Having the capacity to do computing this way is one thing but software companies have to figure out how to make best use of this technology. While cloud computing has opened up many opportunities for software businesses there are enough unknowns to make research necessary. These are the issues that the Cloud Computing Technology Centre will help Irish based companies address”, he said.<a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/13xmk6zn8l4" target="_blank">Read more - €1.2million initial research programme to help make Ireland a world-leader in cloud computing – Minister Brutonmore</a> Cloud Computing Richard Bruton T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation launching the research phase of the Cloud Computing Technology Centre; with (L-R) Gerry Murray, Fort Technologies, Francis Magann, Fujitsu and Theo Lynn from DCU, the lead research partner in the project. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/cloud-computing-characters_2.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Cloud%20Computing4.jpg 1,600 new jobs in pipeline from High Potential Start-Ups supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2011 http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/tjlb1gubfzr?rss=true The annual Enterprise Irelands High Potential Start-Up Showcase took place in the Mansion House, Dublin in February. This year 92 HPSUs and 55 Competitive Start Fund (CSF) companies that Enterprise Ireland supported in 2011 were showcased in an exhibition. 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST fe73f6a275c39f13aadc397389a9e216 Blue Section The annual Enterprise Irelands High Potential Start-Up Showcase took place in the Mansion House, Dublin in February. This year 92 HPSUs and 55 Competitive Start Fund (CSF) companies that Enterprise Ireland supported in 2011 were showcased in an exhibition. The annual Enterprise Irelands High Potential Start-Up Showcase took place in the Mansion House, Dublin in February. This year 92 HPSUs and 55 Competitive Start Fund (CSF) companies that <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1iuqib2xgbx" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a> supported in 2011 were showcased in an exhibition where they had the opportunity to network with venture Capitalists, banks and other potential investors, along with buyers from Irish based multinational companies (MNCs) and public procurements agencies and bodies. 500 participants and guests attended this year’s Showcase which was opened by the minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Burton TD. The 92 new start-ups companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2011, aim to employ over 1,600 new staff by the end of 2013 and to generate over 200 million euro in annual sales within three years. Speaking at the event, Minister Bruton said: “If we are to rebuild our economy, and create the jobs of the future in Ireland, we must not only continue to attract more high-end multinational companies, but we must also crucially ensure that more high-growth small businesses can establish, expand and turn into the large employers of the future. The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2012 includes a series of new supports targeted at the crucial indigenous sector of the economy.” Mr. Hugh Cooney, Chairman of Enterprise Ireland, added: “Today’s Showcase event is highly encouraging and in Enterprise Ireland we are determined to support these entrepreneurs in every way possible to expand, create jobs and contribute to economic growth. Initiatives are in place augmenting support at critical points along the start-up development path, and the overall seed capital and VC funding environment for new business has never been stronger.” HPSU Class of 2011 Yearbook:<a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/hlqeor6e2w6" target="_blank">Click here to review profiles of all the companies who participated in the HPSU Class of 2011 Showcase.</a>   HPSU Class of 2011 Startup Showcase by Enterprise Ireland TV<a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/181mbk3giwx" target="_blank">Check out the video pitches of 42 of the companies taking part in Showcase 2011, who availed of the opportunity to undertake a live 1 minute video pitch on their businesses, which has been released on You Tube and is available here.</a>Photo Album: Pictured at the Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start Up Showcase in the Mansion House, Dublin is Dr Ross O'Neill, CEO, Mutebutton Ltd. Pictured at the Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-Up Showcase in the Mansion House, Dublin are Helen O'Dowd, Director, Virginia Health Foods and Ann Fogarty, Marketing Manager, Virginia Health Foods. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Mutebutton_3.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/EnterpriseIreland5_3.jpg Polecat strikes gold with €850K investment round http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/9zrgi47vpam?rss=true Engaging with customers through social media is no longer optional, especially for global brands. Polecat is a software and services company that transforms internet content into strategic insights for executive level decision-making. MeaningMine, Polecat’s flagship “virtual analyst” product, solves the problem of monitoring the online conversation at a strategic level. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 46b40ce954b62329aa7ff4238785b110 Blue Section Engaging with customers through social media is no longer optional, especially for global brands. Polecat is a software and services company that transforms internet content into strategic insights for executive level decision-making.  MeaningMine, Polecat’s flagship “virtual analyst” product, solves the problem of monitoring the online conversation at a strategic level. Engaging with customers through social media is no longer optional, especially for global brands. Polecat is a software and services company that transforms internet content into strategic insights for executive level decision-making.  MeaningMine, Polecat’s flagship “virtual analyst” product, solves the problem of monitoring the online conversation at a strategic level. By collecting 1.5 million new online posts every day and processing them using self-learning algorithms, MeaningMine attaches positive or negative sentiment to them.  Customers can then get a live view of the volume and sentiment of the conversation for their brand, and can drill down through key phrases, geography, and traffic types to the individual posts, tweets and news articles. <a title="Polecat’s" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1msuc8tqpsb" target="_blank">Polecat’s</a> consulting customer base includes<a title="Shell" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1bam5sl59bn" target="_blank"> Shell</a>, <a title="BP" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/17045ejqxzc" target="_blank">BP</a>, <a title="McKinsey" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/ajaixaz7oxh" target="_blank">McKinsey</a>, <a title="Ernst & Young" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/12p49c1hlhp" target="_blank">Ernst & Young</a>, <a title="Sony" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/fve8en64vde" target="_blank">Sony</a>, <a title="Microsoft" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/h1bf71kle53" target="_blank">Microsoft</a>, <a title="HSBC" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1swemtvnrzy" target="_blank">HSBC</a>, <a title="Silicon Valley Bank" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/gip44mq356q" target="_blank">Silicon Valley Bank</a>, <a title="Irish Goverment" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1i37reo9t8n" target="_blank">the governments of Ireland</a>, <a title="Governments of the uk" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1rdp5g35isw" target="_blank">the UK</a>, and <a title="Governments of the eu" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/wzb38sb0bhh" target="_blank">the EU</a>. Polecat was declared the “best emerging technology company” in 2009 by Larry Ellison, <a title="Oracle" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/13pi1r59tfh" target="_blank">Oracle’s</a> CEO. To fund its post-launch expansion into North America, Polecat recently closed an €850K funding round, with investments from the <a title="AIB Seed Capital Fund " href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1eonlb199ur" target="_blank">AIB Seed Capital Fund </a>(managed by <a title="Enterprise Equity" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/120j3zvx2a9" target="_blank">Enterprise Equity</a>), Enterprise Ireland, and existing shareholders.  “This latest investment is a vote of confidence in Polecat’s business strategy and technology development”, said James Lawn, Polecat CEO. <a title="Tom Shinkwin" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1na1wx46f4h" target="_blank">Tom Shinkwin</a>, a Partner in Enterprise Equity Venture Capital, commented, “We are delighted to be supporting this very able team who have deep domain knowledge and strong operating experience in overseas markets. We expect the business to add several more prestigious clients, as well as additional skilled jobs in the coming years.” With operations in San Francisco and London, <a title="Polecat Dublin" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/6ph3nakrvsz" target="_blank">Polecat</a> is now moving the centre of gravity of its operations to Dublin, and intends to increase its headcount in Ireland to 14 in 2012 and aims to employ 30 people within three years. Co-founders<a title=" James Lawn " href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/o2cub6mj04c" target="_blank"> James Lawn </a>and <a title="Bronwyn Kunhardt " href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1blih3pbm12" target="_blank">Bronwyn Kunhardt </a>are both former members of the executive board of <a title="Microsoft UK" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/b2nvsudu8ew" target="_blank">Microsoft UK</a>. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1gkfwrnbjtw" target="_blank">For more information, visit www.polecat.co</a> Polecat’s flagship 'virtual analyst' product Pictured at the announcement are (l-r): Tom Shinkwin EEVC and James Lawn Polecat CEO http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/3546w55u3pcyo7fd2md3ef00h6vc81lnlkaudkzvi7v5a0r3v.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Polecat%20Investment%20Picture.jpg Irish company tackles Internet capacity crunch http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/11j0kvw1k7d?rss=true Anyone who has experienced conversation-disrupting delays on a video call over the Internet will be glad to know that an Irish spin-out has developed a technology that will help eliminate the delays and frustrations caused by Internet congestion. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 12be53337ba7c8ee21ae33fa7debe7e2 Blue Section Anyone who has experienced conversation-disrupting delays on a video call over the Internet will be glad to know that an Irish spin-out has developed a technology that will help eliminate the delays and frustrations caused by Internet congestion. Anyone who has experienced conversation-disrupting delays on a video call over the Internet will be glad to know that an Irish spin-out has developed a technology that will help eliminate the delays and frustrations caused by Internet congestion. “One of the best kept secrets is that the accessible bandwidth of the optical fibre that makes up the core of the Internet is almost full - there’s very little spare capacity in there,” says Dr Philip Perry, CEO of <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/nrskm96lmjh" target="_blank">Pilot Photonics</a>, “Using our technology you can get more data down existing fibre-optic cables rather than having to dig up roads to lay new fibre.” <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/nrskm96lmjh" target="_blank">Pilot Photonics Ltd</a>, a spin-out company built on the work of research teams in <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1ddesvsy5my" target="_blank">Dublin City University</a> and the <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/au51rullu47" target="_blank">Tyndall National Institute in Cork</a>, has succeeded in attracting seed investment of €300,000 from <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1iuqib2xgbx" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a> and <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1eonlb199ur" target="_blank">AIB Seed Capital Fund</a>. This investment will allow company directors, Dr Philip Perry and Dr Frank Smyth to find a route to market for their optical networking technology which has the potential to dramatically increase the speed of the Internet. Enterprise Ireland’s commercialisation funding allowed the technology inventors, Dr Philip Perry, Dr Frank Smyth, Dr Prince Anandarajah, Prof Liam Barry from DCU and Prof Andrew Ellis from Tyndall, to bring the commercially-relevant aspects of their work to a spin-out ready state.  The subsequent seed investment now starts the spin-out on the challenging road to commercially exploiting the technology. The need for faster and more efficient optical fibre links will continue to grow, particularly as end users of the Internet move to cloud computing and video-intensive applications. “You will have a server, say, in Germany that has to communicate with some other server that is in London, so you need very high capacity, low delay connection,” says Dr Perry. “We breathe new life into their systems so that network operators will be able to get more value out of their existing investment.”  “The response we got in LA this month is fantastic,” says Dr Perry, “we have the right technology at the right time and we have started to engage with key global players.” Pilot Photonics is an Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-Up company and is one of 30 spin-out companies that emerged from Higher Education Institutes in 2011 with support from Enterprise Ireland”. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/nrskm96lmjh" target="_blank">For more information, visit www.pilotphotonics.com</a> Irish company tackles Internet capacity crunch Dr. Philip Perry from the new DCU spin-out company Pilot Photonics http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/14%20copy.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/14%20copy_2.jpg Gabriel Scientific wins Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Award http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1q5dnyl0v9v?rss=true Congratulations to Gabriel Scientific, Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up client company, on winning the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. They accepted the award from President Michael D Higgins, honorary guest at the event. 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 3611ac7c9ce8c31c3e103e2209305c1e Blue Section Congratulations to Gabriel Scientific, Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up client company, on winning the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. They accepted the award from President Michael D Higgins, honorary guest at the event. Congratulations to Gabriel Scientific, Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up client company, on winning the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. They accepted the award from President Michael D Higgins, honorary guest at the event. Gabriel Scientific will now receive a <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1ih4yuhupc1" target="_blank">UCD Smurfit School</a> scholarship for an executive education programme in 2012, a communications and advertising package from <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1qsd860rc8h" target="_blank">The Irish Times</a> worth €150,000, plus business and legal advice from <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/i0izrgt848k" target="_blank">Byrne Wallace</a>. The Dublin-based firm developed a technology for mattresses and other cushioning products that combats the risk of hospital-acquired infections and superbugs such as MRSA, C. Diff and Norovirus.   <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/ggbuvy3vj8g" target="_blank">PneumaPure™Filter Technology</a> makes the pillow hermetically sealed without the use of stitching, which means bugs and germs cannot gain access. The pillow breathes via a patented PneumaPure™Filter membrane, which allows air to pass through but blocks the dangerous microbes that can contaminate the product and pass from one sleeper to the next.The company’s flagship products come under the name SleepAngel. SleepAngel bedding is now being adopted across the HSE and the NHS networks in Ireland and Britain and across leading European hospitals.SleepAngel is also available for homes, with Ireland recording the 4th highest incidence of Asthma in the world. The home version of the pillow has been launched to block the allergens that trigger nightly wheezing attacks among asthma sufferers. Irish stockists include Shaws, Harvey Norman and Sam McCauleys chemists. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/ggbuvy3vj8g" target="_blank">For more information, visit www.pneumapure.com</a> <iframe width="385" height="302" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y0FSG4XrYRo" frameborder="0"></iframe> SleepAngel President Michael D Higgins and Liam Nellis, CEO InterTradeIreland (left), congratulate Billy Navan, David Woolfson, Dr Duncan Bain and Paddy Walsh of Gabriel Scientific, overall winner of The Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards 2012. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Document1_2.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Gabriel%20Meets%20Michael%20D.jpg Promoting Irish business around the world on St. Patrick’s Day http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/k642951ed55?rss=true As the world celebrated all things Irish and and the Chicago River, the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye, Niagara Falls and the Leaning Tower of Pisa went Green for St Patrick’s Day, Enterprise Ireland offices around the world were intensively involved in organising a number of successful ministerial business networking events to promote Ireland as a location for Trade and Investment. 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST ec24a2e886ab583517daf2423e775a42 Grey Green Section As the world celebrated all things Irish and and the Chicago River, the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye, Niagara Falls and the Leaning Tower of Pisa went Green for St Patrick’s Day, Enterprise Ireland offices around the world were intensively involved in organising a number of successful ministerial business networking events to promote Ireland as a location for Trade and Investment.  As the world celebrated all things Irish and the Chicago River, the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye, Niagara Falls and the Leaning Tower of Pisa went Green for St Patrick’s Day, Enterprise Ireland offices around the world were intensively involved in organising a number of successful ministerial business networking events to promote Ireland as a location for Trade and Investment. Throughout the US, Canada, Germany, UK and Scotland, France and the Benelux and Nordic regions, Enterprise Ireland used the opportunity of the visit of an Irish Minister to spread the message of Ireland as a source of world class companies, products and services.  Among the Irish company success stories that were highlighted in the media were:<ul><li><a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/llrk7rprvcu" target="_blank">Wicklow Company Phoneware announced €4m in New Business During Taoiseach’s Washington Visit</a></li><li><a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/rd8j9h62wzj" target="_blank">Nualight announced $100 million Lighting Alliance During Taoiseach's St Patrick's Day Washington Visit</a></li><li><a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/tnq645rik5j" target="_blank">Aurum Exploration Services announced it has won €1m in contracts at Enterprise Ireland Event in Toronto, Irish Times Business</a></li></ul>Two new international venture capital funds were also launched:<ul><li><a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1oce4xmimh6" target="_blank">Minister Bruton announced an Innovation Fund Ireland investment of $37.5million with Sofinnova Ventures, a leading US healthcare venture capital fund</a></li><li><a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1py73gzllfp" target="_blank">Minister Bruton announced a €60million Government investment to attract top-end venture capitalists to Ireland and create high-tech jobs of the future</a></li></ul>Also for St Patrick’s Day, in the spirit of celebrating all things Irish, Enterprise Ireland produced and publicised a new internet video highlighting Irish business success stories which achieved significant viral distribution through You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and other internet channels. <iframe width="387" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2nKX8onqOQM" frameborder="0"></iframe> <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/12yz0enftrm" target="_blank">We also took the opportunity to promote Ireland as the best location for International business start-ups “Start in Ireland and take on the world".</a> <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/tmtvtl1ftok" target="_blank">And, just for fun, take a look at “Going Green for St Patrick’s Day – images from around the world, Ireland’s Blue Book.</a> Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai 'Goes Green for St.Patricks Day' Nualight - Back: Hugh Cooney, Chairman of Enterprise Ireland & Enda Kenny TD, An Taoiseach pictured with (front l-r) Eamonn Quinn of Nualight & Phil Evans of Hussman http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/StP.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Nualight.jpg Leading Irish Entrepreneur appointed as “International Start-up Ambassador” in China http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/19d9kw0vc2j?rss=true Liam Casey has been appointed by Enterprise Ireland to promote Ireland as a Start-Up location to Chinese high-tech entrepreneurs. Liam has 17 years' experience in the region and he will work closely with Enterprise Ireland to highlight Ireland and what it has to offer for technology start-ups. The announcement was made during Enterprise Ireland’s trade mission to China. 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST cccd1ad18691682f4471eefabd0ed80d Grey Green Section Liam Casey has been appointed by Enterprise Ireland to promote Ireland as a Start-Up location to Chinese high-tech entrepreneurs. Liam has 17 years' experience in the region and he will work closely with Enterprise Ireland to highlight Ireland and what it has to offer for technology start-ups. The announcement was made during Enterprise Ireland’s trade mission to China. Liam Casey has been appointed by <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1nbs15wvx4h" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a> to promote Ireland as a Start-Up location to Chinese high-tech entrepreneurs. Liam has 17 years' experience in the region and he will work closely with Enterprise Ireland to highlight Ireland and what it has to offer for technology start-ups. The announcement was made during Enterprise Ireland’s trade mission to China led by an Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mr Richard Bruton T.D.  Enterprise Ireland previously announced the appointment of Dylan Collins for the UK market and Paul Kenny for the Middle East.  Liam Casey is one of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs in China.  He is the founder and CEO of <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/qbkvarqvaym" target="_blank">PCH International</a> – a world leading supply chain solutions company that creates, develops and delivers the world's best technology products for the world's best brands, focusing on the accessories market for eReaders, smartphones and tablets. Last year, Enterprise Ireland launched a dedicated <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/irpsdh3k9xm" target="_blank">€10m International Start-Up Fund</a> to target investor ready overseas entrepreneurs to start their business in Ireland. The fund is open to company promoters anywhere in the world, but is targeted particularly at the Irish Diaspora, international expatriates, the ‘New Diaspora’ (people from overseas who have previously worked or studied in Ireland), as well as serial and mobile entrepreneurs.  In addition to the new Start-up Entrepreneur Programme visa initiative announced recently by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, this makes Ireland a highly attractive location to start and grow an international business. Stimulating the flow of new start-ups and supporting their growth are fundamental building blocks in the Governments Action Plan for Jobs. The availability of VC and seed funding as well as an excellent ecosystem for start-ups which includes mentoring, start-up incubators, export support, training and networking are some of the key benefits that will be highlighted to potential entrepreneurs in the Greater China region. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/oxqtqxiysg6" target="_blank">To find out more about the International Start-Up Fund and Ireland as a location for your business visit, www.startinireland.com</a> Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.; Liam Casey CEO of PCH International and Minister Richard Bruton T.D. Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.; Liam Casey CEO of PCH International and Minister Richard Bruton T.D. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/_XIA7366_2.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/_XIA7368.jpg Enerit helps European schools become energy efficient http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/12mvnoxk9rl?rss=true Enerit, an Enterprise Ireland supported company, is a key member of a consortium of energy specialists from across Europe under the EU VERYSchool project for energy efficient schools. Schools represent a major opportunity for energy savings as they are a highly replicable segment of building stock whose energy bill makes up a large portion of its running costs. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 9d58faf7a6f385df84c3c07c19fa5150 Grey Green Section Enerit, an Enterprise Ireland supported company, is a key member of a consortium of energy specialists from across Europe under the EU VERYSchool project for energy efficient schools. Schools represent a major opportunity for energy savings as they are a highly replicable segment of building stock whose energy bill makes up a large portion of its running costs. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/rhrbi3ep56o" target="_blank">Enerit</a>, an <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1nbs15wvx4h" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a> supported company, is a key member of a consortium of energy specialists from across Europe under the EU VERYSchool project for energy efficient schools. Schools represent a major opportunity for energy savings as they are a highly replicable segment of building stock whose energy bill makes up a large portion of its running costs. Schools will therefore be key as Europe determines how to meet 2020 and 2050 energy efficiency targets. Led by Italian Energy Agency <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1s1zjuojiu9" target="_blank">Agenzia per l’Energia e lo Svilluppo Sostenibile di Modena</a> (AESS), VERYSchool will be on the leading edge of this trend providing the roadmap and platform for the efficient uptake and use of any future investments for energy efficient schools. VERYSchool will integrate smart LED lighting, smart metering, BEMS, energy simulation and energy action management software into a platform called the "Energy Action Navigator" and demonstrate it in four Pilot locations in Europe; Middle School A. Manzoni (Italy), Voltri School Complex (Italy), the Professional School for Electrotechnics and Electronics (Bulgaria) and Institute Pupilos do Extército IPE (Portugal). The Navigator will link all actors and decision makers of the school value chain under a common platform dedicated to energy efficiency. Enerit software will provide a systematic energy management approach based on ISO 50001 principles, configured specifically to meet the energy efficiency requirements of schools. Alongside Enerit, the VERYSchool consortium includes  Agenzia  per l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Sostenibile di Modena, the Energy Agency of Plovdiv, Comune Di Genova, Ankara National Education Directorate, DOKI, D’Appolonia, IsGreen, Integrated Environmental Solutions, Hungarian Academy of Science, Selfenergy, IntesaSanpaola  Eurodesk and the University of Belgrade Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. VERYSchool presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness about energy saving needs and possibilities in schools. The 13 member organisations represent 9 countries and collectively have oversight of over 8000 schools. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1c8p1sy1x05" target="_blank">For more information, visit www.enerit.com </a>   Energy efficency VERYSchool Consortium Members http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/imagesCA7VL550.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/VERYSchool%20Consortium%20Members_n_2.jpg Irish companies learn to think "Lean" http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/koypicrv942?rss=true The medical technologies industry is of key importance to the Irish economy and has continued to grow year on year. While the sector is currently competing well it also recognises the needs to stay ahead of the curve. 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 6e33c075f719635620ae54b2158a8489 Grey Green Section Toyota Medtech Industry Visit The medical technologies industry is of key importance to the Irish economy and has continued to grow year on year. While the sector is currently competing well it also recognises the needs to stay ahead of the curve. The medical technologies industry is of key importance to the Irish economy and has continued to grow year on year. While the sector is currently competing well it also recognises the needs to stay ahead of the curve. Global healthcare reform and downward price pressures continue to add demands on the sector to be more competitive. Recognising this life science companies have been early adopters of lean business practices with many companies engaging in <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/disched3bum" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland strategic lean initiatives</a>. One of these initiatives is built on Enterprise Ireland’s strong working relationship with Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd where Enterprise Ireland client companies are offered access to the plant to attend top management lean manufacturing events. On the 20th February 16 leading Irish medical technology company representatives (MNC and indigenous) and <a title="IMDA" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1lbzu1bdreq" target="_blank">IMDA</a>/ <a title="IBEC" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/1awgxv1uqsk" target="_blank">IBEC</a> visited the <a title="Toyota" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/ntd6qvkikvb" target="_blank">Toyota</a> factory with <a title="Enterprise Ireland" href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/15z8uuweyd4" target="_blank">Enterprise Ireland</a>. This industry group spent 1.5 days with senior Toyota management, engaged in practical simulation techniques, visited the factory floor and exchanged best practices.  Toyota experts addressed continuous improvement practices, importance of a flexible and motivated workforce, satisfying customer needs, working with suppliers and many other topics to help participants consider what small steps they could take to help implement more efficient and effective businesses for the future.  Initiatives such as these help encourage companies to adopt Lean business principles in their organisation to increase performance and competitiveness. <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/disched3bum" target="_blank">Learn more about Enterprise Ireland's Lean Business offers</a> Medtech Enterprise Ireland -Toyota Mission Group Photo http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/628x471.jpg http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/51385685_EI-IMDA-Toyota%20Mission%20Group%20Photo%20_2_.jpg Client Jobs http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/g8frrc29pza?rss=true [ http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/p21oh0uch46 ] 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 2d3fba8602885c0ca899d058e77140a4 Yellow Section <a href="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/p21oh0uch46" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/images/38795/67105/2490685/Untitled-4.jpg" width="277" height="334" alt="Client Jobs" /></a> Innovation Fund Ireland second call is now open. Investors have until June 14 to signal their interest in establishing a presence in Ireland. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/ltwv4q0bo84?rss=true 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 BST 807af280a0dbd5ebc46f178890e455bf Orange Section http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Invest-in-Emerging-Companies/Investors/Innovation-Fund-Ireland/ A new guide to doing business in China called “Access China” has been published by Enterprise Ireland and is available here. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/uhgdwupo0z1?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 2fc0ce63a9164ac031c88a9ff57ba9d5 Orange Section http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Export-Assistance/Market-Research-Centre/Asia-Pacific-Country-Reports-.html Education in Ireland, Enterprise Ireland’s initiative to promote Irish higher education overseas, is to sponsor Global American Schools’ Football Tournament in Ireland. http://newsletter.enterprise-ireland.com/t83sotgmxzr?rss=true 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 BST 873a0a8ba45484280077daeb96f6418c Orange Section http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/News/PressReleases/2012-Press-Releases/Education-In-Ireland-to-Sponsor-Global-American-Schools%E2%80%99-Football-Tournament-in-Ireland.html